Southgate reveals manager and players' close bond

Southgate has opened up to the 'Daily Mail' about the strong relationship that he has created with the England squad.

He told BBC Radio 5 live:

"I feel like (the England team) have been my family… and I've hoped to treat them that way as I would with my own. But I am also looking forward to going back and seeing my lot."

He praised the commitment of his squad and their attitude in the run up to the semi final.

"You are asking a lot - we have got two boys with new-borns – Phil Jones and Fabian Delph really. [It's been] tough for them and their families."

"I mean Delphy I don't think has even had chance to have a cuddle for more than an hour or so with his little one and is straight back committed to the team."

"Lots of the families have come out [and] we have invited them into the hotels," Southgate said.

"I think they feel that they have been part of it which is important as well and we have had that real family feel and it's been nice for us to have kids around the hotel and families around the hotel and it changes the dynamic of the hotel for a few hours and that reminds everybody of home."